Dick tells how to develop an obedient gun dog that is also an affectionate family companion, with training schedules and advice on everything from handling a newborn pup to teaching advanced field techniques. The book presents a simplified, commonsense approach that can be used in its entirety or to trouble-shoot problem areas. Explained is the importance of effective early obedience training, positive reinforcement, and appropriate transition to the field, including tips for introducing your pup to retrieving, quartering, and bird work. With proper care and handling, you can cultivate your pup’s natural aptitudes and achieve a rewarding relationship with a healthy, happy gun dog.

 

How to choose the right breed for your personality and type of hunting.

Includes training tips for housebreaking and basic living commands.

Techniques for introducing the gun, achieving stauchness on point, and advanced field quartering and retrieving.

Preventing the problem behaviors of deer chasing, blinking, gun shyness, hardmouth, short stopping.

 

 Dick Weaver has been training and breeding gun dogs professionally for more than thirty-five years. He has written articles for RGS Magazine, Game News, and Virginia Sportsman and is also the author of Grouse Dogs. Weaver lives with his dual-type English setters in Chambersburg,Pennsylvania.

 

Dedication

Introduction

 

Chapter One:       Planning Training Sessions

Chapter Two:      The First Seven Weeks

Chapter Three:    Puppy Obedience Work

Chapter Four:     Early Field Training

Chapter Five:      The First Season

Chapter Six:       Shooting Preserves: For the sake of your dog

Chapter Seven:   Beyond the First Season

Chapter Eight:     Problems, Problems, Problems

Chapter Nine:     Gun-Dog Nutrition

Chapter Ten:       Tools of the Trade

 

Conclusion:         Reaping the Benefits

Appendix A:       Puppy Vet Schedule

Appendix B:       Dog to Human Age Comparison Chart

Appendix C:      Canine First-Aid Kit

 

Acknowledgments

Index